Local Government Minister hasn't received voting papers, Newshub understands

Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta.
Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta. Photo credit: Newshub.

Newshub understands Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta is yet to receive her voting papers. 

Enrolled New Zealanders should have received their voting papers between September 16 and September 20. 

The final day of voting is October 8, however, as local elections are held by a postal vote, people are urged to post their papers well before then to ensure their vote is received on time. If people don't receive their voting papers, they are told to contact their council's electoral officer.

Local elections are held every three years and are run in New Zealand by the individual local councils, rather than the Electoral Commission. 

Voter turnout is already down across much of the country.

For example, in Wellington, as of Wednesday, there was a 7 percent return compared to 8.21 percent at this point in the 2019 election, 13.67 percent in the 2016 election and 15.47 percent in the 2013 election.

Local Government NZ says its research shows the main reasons people don't vote in local elections is because they forgot, ran out of time or were too busy.

People can enrol to vote up until October 7. If you vote after August 12, you will need to issue a special vote.